Explosive cartridge



Jan. 29, 1946. H. 0. GRANT. JR

EXFLOSIVE CARTRIDGE Filed July 3, 1941 INVENTOR @12 CG'raezz/z: BY

ATTORNEY Patented Jan.29,1946

EFQLOSIVE CARTRIDGE Harry 0. Grant, Jr., New York, N. Y., assignor toSpecialties Development Corporation, Bloomfield, N. J., a corporation ofNew Jersey Application July 3, 1941, Serial No. 400,981

11 Claims.

The present invention relates to explosive devices, and moreparticularly to an electrically actuated cartridge for creatingpressure.

The present invention aims to provide an electrically actuated cartridgewhich, when fired, will generate a pressure suitable for actuatingdevices which in turn are adapted to control various operatingmechanisms. For example, the pressure generated may be utilized formoving a piston which, directly or by connecting mechanism,

causes a cutter to pierce the closure disc of a receptacle containing a.medium under pressure, such as carbon dioxide, whereby the release ofthe medium is effected. ,A use of the cartridge for such a purpose maybe in the operation of aircraft where emergencies may arise, againstwhich protective measures may be taken, to eliminate or minimize thedanger at hand. For example, it is desirable to provide airplanes withinflatable flotation bags to be filled with buoyant fluid to maintainthe airplanes afloat on water. Another example, in airplane practice, isto utilize fire extinguishing apparatus which employs a fluid fireextinguishing medium under pressure.

An object of the present invention is to provide a simple inexpensivecartridge of the foresome t p Another object isto provide a cartridge ofminimum size for creating a desired pressure.

Another object is to provide a cartridge which can be convenientlyhandled during manufacture, assembly, and use.

, Another object is to provide a cartridge adapted to generate apressure which can be fully utilized.

Another object is to provide a cartridge which will not shatter andconsequently will not clog up passages in the firing chamber.

Another object is to provide a cartridge which, after being fired, canbe readily removed from the firing chamber and will enable a succeedingcartridge to be inserted.

Another object is to provide an electrically actuated cartridge adaptedto be readily connected to electrical connecting devices of a standarddesign.

A further object is to provide an improved cartridge constructed of aplastic molding compound.

Other and further objects, not specifically enumerated above, will beapparent when described in greater detail in connection with theaccompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a cartridge illustrating anembodiment of the invention.

l 'lgureziaatopvlowoithecartridgcshownin Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along theline 3-3 On Figure 1.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, there is shown anelectrically actuated cartridge comprising a body l0 and a capsule "llattached to the body for containing a charge of an infiam mable pressuregenerating substance. The body preferably is constructed of an uppercylindrical member l2 and a lower cylindrical member l4 for purposeswhich will become apparent from the description hereinafter.

As shown in Figure 3, the upper body member 12 has a circular recess l5at the upper surface thereof, and has a pair of spaced apart countersunkportions 86 in the recess l5, each of which registers with an aperturel1 extending downwardly through the member l2. The lower end of themember I2 is provided with a cylindrical plug portion l9 having asmaller diameter than the diameter of the upper body member l2.

The lower body member M has a circular recess 20 at the upper surfacethereof adapted to receive the plug portion l9 of the upper body memberl2.

If desired, the relative diameters of the recess 20 and the plug portionl9 may be such that a friction fit is provided. The recess 20 is deeperthan the length of the plug portion [9 so that, when the upper and lowerbody members are assembled, a space or chamber 2| is provided at theinterior of and intermediate the body members. It will be understoodthat the plug portion could be provided on the lower body member andfitted into a recess which could be provided in the upper body member.

The lower body member is further provided with a cylindrical plugportion 22 at the lower end thereof and has a pair of spaced apertures24 extending from the recess 20 through to the lower end of the plugportion 22. The apertures 24 are spaced closer together than theapertures ll of the upper body member 12.

As illustrated in the drawing, the body Ill is substantially cylindricalto provide a cartridge of maximum strength with a minimum amount ofmaterial. However, in order to insert the cap in predetermined positionin the chamber formed by-acartridge holder or breech structureassociated' with'a firing chamber, for example as referred to herein,either '"or both of the body members may be provided with one or moreradially projecting portions, lugs or ears 25. For example, twodiametrically opposite lugs 25 may be provided on the lower body memberIt which are adapted to fit into corresponding recesses in the cartridgeholder.

The body members l2 and I 4, illustrated herein, preferably, are formedof a plastic molding composition, suchas cellulose acetate or any othersimilar molding compositions which are well known. Such compositions canbe readily molded whereby the body'members can be economically formed inany desired shape by simple and rapid operations. Furthermore, suchmolding compositions have good insulating properties, which aredesirable in connection with the electrical actuating means of thecartridge which will be described hereinafter. If desired, the moldingcomposition selected may be transparent to render th'e electricalactuating means visible, but in some cases a colored or tinted opaque ortranslucent material may be preferred. Molding compositions of theforegoing type are attractive in appearance and can be provided withsurface ornamentation which enhances the cartridge.

Referring again to Figure 3, the charge containing capsule iiillustrated may comprise a cup-shapedmember or case 28 formed of anyasoasaa of the materials which may be used for forming the body membersl2 and I4. The cup-shaped member 28, preferably, has substantially cylindrical outer side walls 21, which areprovided x with inwardly anddownwardly tapered or curved portions 29 at the lower or closed end ofthe member 26. At the upper end the cup-shaped member has alongitudinally extending cylindrical, or other suitably shaped, bore orcavity II formed therein for receiving a charge 32 of presa suregenerating material, such as smokeless powder or the like. The bore IIis also adapted to receive the plug portion 22 of the body member i 4,and the upper or open end of the member 28 is provided with'asubstantially flat annular surface 24 adapted to contact the under sideof the body member l4.

The cup-shaped member 26 may be. and preferably, is provided with areinforcing member 25 formed of sheet metal or the like. The reinforcingmember may be a substantially annular cylindrical ring or. extendingabout andcontiguous with the cylindrical side walls 21. The band hasradially inwardly facing portions ex- "1; benesu'i. the 1 tapered;portions; norms member 28. The bottom' of the cu -shaped member 26preferably is left clear to render the charge 32 visible, and, ifdesired, the reinforcing v band 85 may have one or more aperturestherein (Figure 1) for viewing the charge. "As shown in the drawing, theband 35 terminates at a point adjacent but spaced from the upper end ofthe cup-shaped member 26 to leave the upper end slightly weaker by notbeing reinforced. The band I! may be secured to the member 28 in anysuitable manner, for example, by spinning it into engagement with themember 28, by swaging it about the member 28, by forcing the member 26into the band, or by molding the member in the 6 band.

portions and outwardly through the apertures i I ll of theupper bodymember l2.

"The upper ends 4| of the conductors also extend through, aperture 42 ona disc 44 of insulating material seated in the recess ii of the bodymember i2 andhave suitable plugs or connectors .45 secured thereto. Theplugs 45 are spaced a suitable distance apart and are designed Cannonconnectors. Byproviding a'two piece body, the ends 4i of the conductorscarrying the plugs may be spaced to fit electrical connectors of asuitabledesign while the ends 31 carrying the bridge wire 39 are spacedclosely together to enable them to fit into the relatively small chargecontaining bore. The space 2| serves for adapting the conductors to bespaced apart a desired distance at their ends.

In assembling the cartridge the leg portions or lower ends 31 areinserted through the apertures 24 of the lowerbody member and the bridgewire "is secured adjacent the free ends of the leg portions 31. Thespace provided by the recess 20 in the upper surface of the body memberi4 is partially filled with an adhesive substance 4|. such assemi-liquid cellulose acetate, or the like. and the upper ends 4| of theconductors are inserted through the apertures ll of the upper bodymember l2. The body member I2 is then moved towards the body member 14to lit the plug portion is into recess 20 and to contact the adhesive48. Upon setting of the adhesive 46, the, body members I2 and I4 aresecured together and the upper ends of the apertures 24 in the lowerbody member I! are sealed.

Thereafter an adhesive 41, such as semi-liquid cellulose acetate, isplaced in the countersunk portions it and the disc 44 is placed in therecess i6 and may be held in place byan adhesive 44. The connectors orplugs 45 may then be secured to the ends 4i of the conductors.

The cartridge as thus assembled is now ready to have the chargecontaining capsule. connected thereto. To accomplish this, an adhesiveisiappiied to the annular surface 34 of the cupshaped member 26 and tothe surface of the body member adapted to be contacted by theaforesaid-surface, Preferably, the adhesive used is a compound adaptedtoslightly soften the material of which the members i4 and Itare formed.For example, the adhesive may comprise a mixture of cellulose acetateand acetone. The plu portion 22 is then inserted into the bore II, andthe members l4 and 28 are firmly pressed to gether, when the adhesivesets, a bond or her- 'metic seal is provided at 49 which cooperates withthe seal formed by the adhesive 4| to prevent the'charge of explosivematerial from absorbing trical actuating means are provided, which maycomprise a pair of electrical-conductors each having a le portion 31extending through one of the apertures 24 in the body member i 4 andinto the charge of powder 82. The free ends of tho leg portions 31 areelectrically connected by,,a high moisture.

In operation, the cartridge is placed into a suitable holder with thecapsule Ii extending into a firing chamber for receiving the pressuregeneratedby the charge. when an actuating pres- 'ture is desired, theconductors through their electrical connections. are connected manuallyor automatically to a'sourcc of electrical energy.

The current passing through the conductors andthe bridge wire 38 causesthe latter to be resistance wire or bridge wire 3! adapted to 'be- 10-heated and ignite the powder, or the explosive or electrically heatedto" ignite the char e u. The conductorsvhave offset portions 40 a ovethe leg portions, which extend substantially radially outwardly in thespace 2| within the body. and have pressure generating medium 82contained in the 4 capsule II. the. powder burns-it "creates a pressurewhichriiptures the seal or bond 40 be! r tween the members l4 and 25 andseparates these upper ends 4| which extend upwardly from the. B members.generated m mp and can be utilized as a source of actuating power.

,During the burning of the powder within the member 26, the band orferrule 35 prevents bursting or shattering of the cup-shaped member.Also, separation of the members 14 and 26 is delayed until all of thepowder has been ignited, thereby insuring a maximum pressurefor a givencharge of powder. When the members [4 and 26 are moved apart there is noviolent shattering effect which tends to disintegrate portions of thecartridge.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that the presentinvention provides a new and improved cartridge for generating apressure or for similar purposes. The cartridge is simple in design andcan be economically manufactured. The parts of the cartridge can bereadily assembled, without special tools or machinery, in a minimumamount of time jBy utilizing a plastic molding composition, theexplosive charge is insulated from heat which over a prolonged periodmay accidentally ignite the charge. Also, thecharge is adapted to besealed against moisture "be embodied in other forms of constructionwithout departing in any manner from the spirit and scope of theinvention, and I therefore do not wish'to bestrictly limited to thedisclosure,

. but rather to the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a cartridge of the class described, the combination of acuprshaped member for containing a charge of powder, a body membersecured to said cup-shaped member and having a pair of aperturesextending therethrough in substantially uniformly spaced relationship,and a second body member secured to said first body member and having apair of apertures extending therethrough in substantially uniformlyspaced relationship and spaced apart a greater distance than theapertures in said first body member, one of said body members having arecess at the interior of and between said body members, said recessproviding communication between the first and second pair of apertures.

2. A cartridge of the class described comprising a cup-shaped member forcontaining a charge of powder, a body member secured to said cupshapedmember and having a pair of apertures extending therethrough insubstantially uniformly spaced relationship, a second body membersecured to said first body member and having a pair of aperturesextending therethrough in substantially uniformly spaced relationshipand spaced apart a greater distance than the apertures in said firstbody member, one of said body members having a recess as the interior ofand between said body members, and electrical actuating means extendinginto said cup-shaped member, said means including a pair of electricalconductors each adapted to extend through one 01' the apertures of thefirst and second body members and adapted to pass through the recessbetween said body members.

3. A cartridge of the class described comprising a cup-shaped member forcontaining a charge of powder, a body member secured to said cup shapedmember and having a pair of spaced apertures extending the refihrough, asecond body member secured to said first body member and having a pairof apertures extending therethrough and spaced apart a. greater distancethan the apertures in said first bod member, one of said body membershaving a recess at the interior of and between said bod members,electrical actuating means extending into said cup-shaped member, saidmeans inpluding a pair of electrical conductors each adapted to extendthrough one of the apertures of the first and second body members andadapted to pass through the recess between said body membersand'projecting outwardly from said second body member, and electricalconnecting means on the outwardly projecting ends of said conductorsadapted to fit an electrical connecting device of standard design.

4. A cartridge of the class described comprising a member for containinga charge of powder, a body secured to said member, electrical actuatingmeans carried by said body, and outwardly projecting means on said bodyadapted to fit into corresponding recesses of a cartridge holderassociated with a firing chamber, whereby the cartridge is adapted to beinserted into the holder in a predetermined position.

5. In a cartridge of the class described, the combination of a,cup-shaped member for containing a charge of powder, a reinforcingmember extending about the side walls of said cupshaped member, a bodymember having a pair of spaced apertures extending therethrough, meansfor securing said members adapted to be rendered ineffective when thepowder is ignited, and a second body member secured to said first bodymember and having a pair of apertures spaced apart a greater distancethan said apertures in said first body member.

6. A cartridge of the class described comprising a cup-shaped member forcontaining a charge of powder, a reinforcing band extending about saidcup-shaped member, a body member having a pair of apertures extendingtherethrough, means for securing said cup-shaped member and body memberadapted to be rendered inefiective when the charge is ignited, a secondbody member secured to said first body member and having a pair ofapertures spaced apart a greater distance than the apertures in saidfirst body member, one of said body members having a recess providing aspace at the interior of and between said body members, and electricalactuatin means extending into said cup-shaped member, said meansincluding a pair of electrical conductors each adapted to extend throughone of the apertures of the first and second body members and adapted topass through the space between said body members.

7. A cartridge of the class described comprising a cup-shaped memberformed of a plastic molding compound and adapted to contain a charge ofpowder, an annular metal reinforcing member extending about the sidewalls of said cupshaped member, a body member having a. pair of spacedapertures extending therethrough, adhesive means for securingsaidcup-shaped member and said body memberg aise'cond body member secured tosaid first body member and having a pair of apertures spaced apart'agreater distance than the apertures in said first body member, said bodymembers being formed of a plastic molding compound and one of said bodymembers having outwardly projecting means thereon, one or said bodymembers having a recess providing a space at the interior of and betweensaid body members, electrical actuating means extending into saidcup-shaped member. said means including a pair of electrical conductorseach adapted to extend through one of the apertures of said first andsecond body members and adapted to pass through the-space between saidbody members and projecting outwardly irom said second body member, andelectrical connecting plugs on the outwardly projectingends of saidconductors adapted to fit an electrical connectingjdev'ice of '10standard design.

8. h A cartridge of the class described comprising a cup -shaped memberfor containing a'charge of powder; a body member secured to saidcupshaped member-and having a pair of apertures extending therethroughin substantially uniform- 1y spaced relationship; a second body membersecured to said first body member and having a pair of aperturesextending therethrough in substantially uniformly spaced relationship,spaced apart a greater distance than the apertures in said :flrst bodymember, and offset with respect to the apertures in said first bodymember; one of said body members having a recess at the interior of andbetween said body members; electrical actuating means extending intosaid cupshaped member, said means including a pair of 2,393,029 h thepressure created without shattering of said first member. V b A 10. Apressure creating cartridge of the class described comprising a bodyadapted to be seated ina cartridge holder, a cup-shaped member hay-' inga space adapted to contain a charge of an inflammable pressure creatingsubstance, electrical "charge igniting means on said body and havingportions'extendinginto'said memb a electrical conductors each adapted toextend I through one of the apertures of the flrstand sec-. and bodymembers and adapted to pass through the recess between said bodymembers; and means in said recess providing a seal between said pairs ofapertures. I q

9. A pressure creating cartridge of the: class described comprising abody adapted to be seated in a cartridge holder, a member having aspace,

adapted to contain ,a charge oi. an inflammable pressure creatingsubstance, electrical charge igniting means on said body and havingportions extending into said member, a, reinforcing member extendingabout and united with said first member, and means connecting said flrstmember and said reinforcing member as a unit to said body, saidconnecting means being adapted to be rendered ineffective when thecharge is ignited and creates pressure, whereby said first mentionedmember and said reinforcing member are adapted to separate from saidbody as a. unit and release metallic band-shaped relniorcing member eding about the side wall of andipermanently united with said cup-shapedmember, and means connecting said cup-shaped member and saidreini'orcing member as a unit to said body, said connecting'meansbeing'adap'ted to be" rendered in effective when the charge is ignitedand creates pressure, whereby said cup-shaped member and saidreinforcing memberfare adapted to separate from said body as a unit andrelease the pressure created without shattering of said cup-shapedmember. I v V,

' 11. A pressure creating 'cartridge oi the class described comprising abody adapted to be seated in acartridge holder, a transparentsubstantially cylindrical cup-shaped member having a space adapted tocontain a charge of an inflammable pressurecreating substance;electrical charge igniting means on saidbody andha'ving portions meansbeing adapted to be rendered ineffective when the charge is ignited andcreates'pre'ssure,

whereby said cup-shaped member and said re iniorcing member are adaptedto separate from 188311 body as a unit and release the pressure createdwithout shattering of said cup-shaped member.

HARRY 0. GRANT, .m.

